Employee volunteers from Victory Services Club dusted off their dancing shoes to help local older people keep physically fit and socially connected.
For the third consecutive year, Marble Arch BID partnered with Age UK Westminster to run its Get Up & Dance volunteering event to promote the importance of social connection and staying active, particularly in later years.
The event, held on 1 October 2026 at the Beethoven Centre in Queens Park, was held to coincide with Silver Sunday, the national day that celebrates ageing and tackles loneliness. Founded in Westminster in 2012, Silver Sunday encourages communities to come together on or around the first Sunday in October through free activities for older people.
The event saw 37 older people enjoy an afternoon tea of tasty treats over conversation and a game of bingo before hitting the dance floor to guided dancercise routines.
The volunteers got the crowd warmed up by inviting guests to join the popular 90s dance, Macarena. Guests then enjoyed a belly dancing performance with the instructor leading a guided light dancerise session to traditional Middle Eastern songs.
The afternoon tea consisted of a range of tasty sandwiches and a selection of warm party food including sausage rolls, chicken dippers and mozzarella sticks. Volunteers chatted to guests making them feel welcome. A selection of cupcakes and fruit were on offer for those who wanted to round off the afternoon of dancing with a sweet treat.
The event saw many familiar faces as well as some new ones, including a group of local Ukrainian refugees who are engaging more with the work of Age UK Westminster, helping them to integrate and be an active part of the community.
Age UK Westminster is an independent charity which empowers older people across the borough to lead more fulfilling, socially active lives.
Analysis by Age UK has found that 198,000 older people in London can go for a month without meeting up with a friend, and that 19,000 over 65s in the city have not had a conversation with family or friends over the same period.
Thank you to the amazing team of volunteers who made the event so special for everyone who attended.
The activity was arranged as part of our Community Programme which supports our BID members to engage in the community. From environmental projects to skill-sharing to coffee mornings, there is something to suit every community engagement plan that creates memorable moments and sustainable impact.
